NATIVE PLANTS AND THEIR BENEFITS

A native plant is one that grew naturally in southeastern Wisconsin before Europeans settled the area. Landscaping with native wildflowers and grasses is better for the environment since, once they’re established, they do not need fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or watering.

Native plants’ deep roots help your garden absorb water – some roots go down 25 feet! These fantastic roots form deep channels that absorb rainwater. Some of the roots die each year and new roots grow. Decomposing roots make the soil more fertile and absorbent. The root systems hold soil together and help prevent erosion. Deep plant roots also create additional channels for stormwater to filter into ground.